Latest news with #PartiGagasanRakyatSabah
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal-Sabah ties must be inter-governmental, not intra-party, says Armizan
Armizan Mohd Ali said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Cooperation between the federal and Sabah governments must take place on an inter-governmental and not intra-party basis, according to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali. Armizan, who is also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. 'This approach is crucial to ensure that federal-state relations are conducted on an inter-governmental basis, not an intra-party one,' he said when opening the annual meeting of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's Darau division today. 'This is because we want issues concerning state interests to be negotiated and resolved through formal channels between the federal and state governments, not within the internal mechanisms of a single party.' Armizan, who is also the Papar MP, said that when the same national party becomes the core of both the federal and state administrations, there is a tendency for issues affecting the state to be discussed and decided within party lines. 'If state matters are resolved through an intra-party process, the risk is that party interests will be prioritised over state interests. More worryingly, some national parties are deeply entrenched in a doctrine that places loyalty to the party above all else, without compromise,' he said. He also said there have been instances when state issues are sidelined simply because the national party prioritises national interests above state concerns. 'A clear example of this is the decades-long struggle over the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Only recently have we seen meaningful federal commitment on MA63 under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 'However, we cannot rely solely on the attitude or style of individual leaders, what we need is a structural solution,' he said. He said if there is a framework to ensure that federal-state relations remain inter-governmental in nature rather than intra-party, then state interests will always remain a priority. The state government, meanwhile, must function with state interests as its top priority. 'To national parties, (I say) lead the federal government. We will support and work with you. But let local parties lead the state government. This is the spirit behind the GRS and Pakatan Harapan Plus coalition government we have today,' he said. Sabah Barisan Nasional treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said yesterday the 'Sabahan No 1' is not an empty slogan for BN as it represents the party's struggle to give priority to the interests of the people of the state. Salleh, who had previously asserted that the struggle for the state's rights is not the domain of any one party but of all Sabahans, said Sabah BN moved in tandem with the federal unity coalition government, to ensure the state had a decisive voice in national affairs.
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Japlin ready to contest Usukan, unfazed by potential clash with Salleh
Japlin KOTA KINABALU (June 22): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Usukan Division chief Datuk Japlin Akim has declared his readiness to contest the Usukan state seat in the upcoming state election, stating he is unafraid of facing any opponent, including the incumbent from Barisan Nasional (BN), Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak. While emphasising that the final decision lies with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leadership, Japlin said he is prepared to take on the responsibility if entrusted with the mandate. 'God willing, if I am given the opportunity to contest in Usukan, I am ready. We have always worked hard on the ground — engaging with the people and listening to their needs. 'To me, who we are up against is not the main issue. The real challenge lies in how we connect with the people and win their hearts. That is what truly matters,' he told reporters recently. Japlin also highlighted the development potential in Usukan, especially in agriculture, which he believes can play a key role in improving the local economy and increasing incomes. When asked about the possibility of GRS contesting the 17th Sabah State Election independently, Japlin said the decision should be left to the coalition's top leadership. However, he expressed confidence in GRS's strength, suggesting the coalition is capable of going solo and should consider announcing any electoral cooperation only after the polls. 'From what I observe, GRS continues to be well-received by the people. The coalition consists of eight component parties, each with its own strengths. We believe we can move forward independently if necessary,' he said.
The Star
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Let new leaders rise, says Sabah politician in call for reset
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah political leader has called on long-serving politicians to step aside and make way for emerging leaders with fresh ideas and a sincere commitment to change. Speaking at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual conference in N26 Moyog, Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that Sabah needs a leadership reset, one that goes beyond age and focuses on mindset and sincerity. 'It's not just about youth. What we need are leaders with a clear vision and genuine desire to drive change for Sabah,' said Khairul Firdaus, a direct member of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). He pointed out that some political figures in the state have clung to power for too long, despite growing public frustration. 'There are leaders who have remained in office for years but no longer connect with the people. They should stop insulting the public by holding on to power. It is time to step aside and give others a chance,' he said. He added that Sabah should no longer be viewed as lagging behind but as a state capable of leading in innovation and development, something that can only happen by empowering new leaders. Khairul Firdaus commended senior politician Datuk John Ambrose as a role model, saying his willingness to support new leaders showed true leadership. He also warned that voters in Sabah are becoming more open to political alternatives and will not hesitate to reject parties that fail to deliver. Khairul Firdaus also stressed that Sabah's political instability, marked by years of internal conflict, must come to an end. He said political maturity and unity were vital for Sabah to progress and receive the recognition and development it deserves. Highlighting the role of GRS, he described the coalition as the best platform for real change and urged voters to give it a full mandate in the next election. 'Give us one more term. If we cannot perform, then vote us out,' he said, noting that GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has shown leadership by introducing new initiatives and being open to feedback. While acknowledging that perceptions of GRS vary across Sabah, particularly among younger voters, he said the coalition remains committed to listening to and addressing grassroots concerns. 'We cannot be seen as failing to understand what Sabahans want. GRS and Gagasan Rakyat must keep their ears to the ground,' he said. Khairul Firdaus noted that his views were personal, but he expressed hope for a more united and forward-looking leadership to break Sabah out of its longstanding political deadlock.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PGRS Labuan Mobilises for Sabah Polls, Expands Grassroots
LABUAN: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) is gearing up to support party candidates in the Sabah state election while working to strengthen the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition's presence and community engagement in Labuan. Labuan PGRS division chief Rosli Awang Damit said with the state election looming, the division has established an operations room to coordinate support for Labuan-based voters returning to Sabah, and will also deploy party machinery to strategic constituencies. 'Beyond assisting local voters, Labuan PGRS will also actively contribute to the party's campaign in Sabah by deploying our machinery to key constituencies,' he told Bernama after the party's 3rd Annual Conference here today. He said Labuan PGRS has made notable progress since its inception, overcoming initial challenges and scepticism through consistent efforts and sincerity in championing the people's interests. 'Initially, acceptance was difficult, but with perseverance, more people now support our core values - integrity, people-first policies and genuine development,' he said. Rosli said the division has established 22 active branches to date, with more than 3,000 members. 'Six new branches submitted membership forms during today's conference, reflecting growing public trust,' he added. He credited grassroots leaders for driving the party's growth, and lauded the youth and women's wings for their vital contributions.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Labuan PGRS ramps up support ahead of Sabah polls
LABUAN: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) is gearing up to support party candidates in the Sabah state election while working to strengthen the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition's presence and community engagement in Labuan. Labuan PGRS division chief Rosli Awang Damit said with the state election looming, the division has established an operations room to coordinate support for Labuan-based voters returning to Sabah, and will also deploy party machinery to strategic constituencies. 'Beyond assisting local voters, Labuan PGRS will also actively contribute to the party's campaign in Sabah by deploying our machinery to key constituencies,' he told Bernama after the party's 3rd Annual Conference here today. He said Labuan PGRS has made notable progress since its inception, overcoming initial challenges and scepticism through consistent efforts and sincerity in championing the people's interests. 'Initially, acceptance was difficult, but with perseverance, more people now support our core values - integrity, people-first policies and genuine development,' he said. Rosli said the division has established 22 active branches to date, with more than 3,000 members. 'Six new branches submitted membership forms during today's conference, reflecting growing public trust,' he added. He credited grassroots leaders for driving the party's growth, and lauded the youth and women's wings for their vital contributions.
